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Thursday, October 20, 2016

I knew when God called me to start a blog and sharing my writings that I would be faced with critics. I did not let that stop me. What was most important to me was to obey. I prayed that God would always guide my thoughts and give me the ability to express and share things that would only help and never hurt. I also pray continually that my writings always showcases Him and that He is always in the middle of all I write.

I am so proud to be able to share that to-date my blogs have never once received a bad review, criticism, etc.... (knock on wood).

I started my blog in 2010. Fast forward four (4) years to the date when I started exposing myself more openly and sharing on 'social media.' I expected that to change but prayed it wouldn't. However, I was a realist and knew that when I started openly sharing on social media that I would encounter critics and criticism. Especially considering my religious beliefs and the fact that I'm not ashamed of who I am; actually, I've grown to really love the person I've become.

I am usually pretty reserved in my posts, for the most part, and only stick to sharing the truths. I rarely post or share my political opinions, because honestly I believe that a higher power has the ultimate say in what will happen anyway (there again -- my opinion), so I stick to sharing with my closest family and friends my political beliefs and do most of my venting to the good Lord. It's just cleaner that way! (big smile)

For those that really know me, and follow my blog, know that 99% of my posts are a direct reflection of my own life experiences, which is what makes my audience and followers love reading my writings. I am real! I am transparent! I believe that pretty words aren't always true...and true words aren't always pretty, but when the truth is spoken, it is always beautiful!

There will always be that 1% that will test and criticize your opinions. It's reality! And that's okay (at least in my opinion it is).

I had one of my first "encounters" on Facebook this week and guess what... it was over a political post of something I thought was creative and funny, but it did receive some negative feedback. Which is okay!

However, because of the volume of interest it received, I thought what better opportunity than to use it for good and turn it into a positive, educational, and learning opportunity and lessons learned post.

So with that, I thought I would share a few tips with you:

1.) Learn the difference between destructive and constructive criticism. This is the first step to being able to deal with criticism.

2.) If you are not confident in who you are, fix that first, before you go spouting your opinions. This will also help you not be so sensitive when faced with criticism. It will also allow you the confidence to debate (if you chose) your opinion.

3.) You must be willing to self-reflect and openly accept criticism, regardless of whether it is personal or professional. If the criticism is constructive, then it's intended to guide you and help you improve as a person, not bring you down and feel inadequate. (Refer back to #1, learn the difference and don't waste your precious energy on destructive criticism.)

4.) If you post it, share it, like it, comment on it, on social media - don't be offended when someone comments their opinions - even if it can be hurtful. After-all, your sharing your opinions first, or second, extend courtesy to others as you want extended to yourself. Unless you're backing something with factual data then it's an opinion. Don't be surprised when some will even argue the facts.

5.) Remember, not everyone will get your sense of humor! It's okay! Laugh at your own jokes and get over it! Don't take it personally.

6.) Read every comment (criticism) with an open mind and truly be willing to have a learning attitude towards it. Who knows, you just may learn something! And, God-forbid, but you just could be wrong. (Surprise! I know that will be a big hurdle for some of you to admit and overcome.)

7.) Respect everyone's opinions. We all have them. We all want our voices to be heard or we wouldn't share. Period. When we lose respect for others it feeds into the craziness of the world we live in today. Which, in my opinion, that is a lot of what's wrong with society nowadays.

8.) When you're reading someone else's comments/post, don't be judgmental. Keep an open mind. If you are offended, you have a choice. You scroll past it, or not. You either post your comment/opinion, or not. And, if you're really that offended then you probably should not be connected with that individual anyway. There is an "unfriend" or "delete" button. But, I caution you, use it wisely.

9.) Remember, you never know what others are battling. Some people use social media as an outlet to vent, some use it to hide behind, while others use it to share inspiration and good-will. Regardless, it's all open for public criticism.

10.) Lastly, thank the person who gave you the honest and constructive criticism. This is also a sign of maturity. Even if it's hurtful, suck it up and say "thank you," even if you have to do it through gritted teeth.

So, the next time you receive criticism I hope you will refer back to these tips and embrace them. It's kind of like what Kelly Clarkson said: "Whatever (criticism) doesn't kill you makes you stronger."

Some of you are probably wondering what in the world did I share to generate backlash, so I've included a snippet below. What I found to be so ironic is that I shared, what I considered to be a much more controversial post (with a video) that received very minimal conversation (Ties into #5 and #9 above.)

Remember, as I've written before, if you take nothing else away from my blog - I pray you will never forget that you are "wonderfully and fearfully made" (Psalms 139:14). Never forget you are the son or daughter of the almighty King of Kings and that you do not have to "BE" what the world expects you to be, but you do have to be what makes you happy! Do something kind today. Be nice to others and respect those you interact with. Strive to make a difference in others lives, but more importantly make a difference in your own life. Life is messy...thank God for Bounty Paper Towels, Grace and Mercy!

Today is a new beginning, a second chance! The world is waiting for the AWESOME side of you to show up and be Amazing! Go! Enjoy this beautiful day the Lord has graced you with!

Wednesday, October 19, 2016

Good morning!! Time to rise and shine! Do you smell that opportunity waiting on you?

As I read and studied this scripture this morning, at least for me personally as a Mommy and an Executive, it's hard for me to NOT think and worry about the future.

Spending every day these last 15+ years in corporate America, you're trained to always be thinking about the "What if's" and planning for the next 3-5 years. To add to that, the higher up that corporate ladder one climbs, also comes stressors and worries because people's livelihoods are banking on the decisions you make today that will impact their tomorrows.

Same with being a Mommy. I feel like I have to constantly be thinking about the decisions I'm making today and how they will impact my daughters future.

So, as I wrote above, I can't say I practice this scripture well at all. However, I can tell you that one thing I do well is praying before every minor or major decision I make, which in turn gives me a peace and sense of security that I know I'm doing all I can.

Whatever you do, do it for the Glory of God. Never lose sight of your "why." This little doll (my daughter) and my husband are my reason for making sure I am doing all I can to secure our future. However, my daily goal is to not lose sight of the joys of today while I'm planning for our (and others) future.

My tip for you today is simply enjoy every day as if it's your last. Truth is, you never know when it may be!

Today's Scripture: "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble."‭‭ (Matthew‬ ‭6:34‬)

Today is a new beginning, a second chance! The world is waiting for the AWESOME side of you! GO! Enjoy this beautiful day the Lord has given and know that you are wonderfully, fearfully and beautifully made in His image!! Have a wonderfully blessed day!!

Remember, as I've written before, if you take nothing else away from my blog - I pray you will never forget that you are "wonderfully and fearfully made" (Psalm 139:14). Never forget that you are the son or daughter of the almighty King of Kings and that you do not have to "BE" what the world expects you to be, but you do have to be what makes you happy! Do something kind today, be nice to others, and respect those you interact with. Strive to make a difference in others lives, but more importantly make a difference in your own life. Life is messy...thank God for Bounty paper towels, Grace & Mercy!

Tuesday, October 18, 2016

Good morning!! Time to rise and shine! It's a new day. A new beginning! A second chance! It's like you've been given a token to use - how will you spend it?

When our eyes fail to see, we must lend our fears a helping hand by guiding it through the faith in our hearts.

Every day people at challenged, some even rocked to their cores, with news that will test their faith. It's in these times that we must stand strong and not grow weary. If ever there was a time to pray, repent, replenish and rest it is then, it is now. That is also when we will learn our greatest and most valuable lessons.

Faith does the impossible because it brings God to undertake for us, and nothing is impossible with God.

Today's Scripture: "For we walk by faith, not by sight." (‭II Corinthians‬ ‭5:7‬)

Today is a new beginning, a second chance! The world is waiting for the AWESOME side of you! GO! Enjoy this beautiful day the Lord has given and know that you are wonderfully, fearfully and beautifully made in His image!! Have a wonderfully blessed day!!

Remember, as I've written before, if you take nothing else away from my blog - I pray you will never forget that you are "wonderfully and fearfully made" (Psalm 139:14). Never forget that you are the son or daughter of the almighty King of Kings and that you do not have to "BE" what the world expects you to be, but you do have to be what makes you happy! Do something kind today, be nice to others, and respect those you interact with. Strive to make a difference in others lives, but more importantly make a difference in your own life. Life is messy...thank God for Bounty paper towels, Grace & Mercy!

Friday, October 14, 2016

Good morning beautiful peeps!! Time to rise and shine and give God the glory for a new day, a second chance! Smell that opportunity?

Today's Tip: Hug your haters! Yes, you read that correct! Let's be real, we all have those people that will judge you and find fault in the simple breath you take, but the way you overcome them is to 'love your enemy.' I heard a wise man once say, "Don't wrestle with pigs. You both get dirty and the pigs enjoy it!"

Oh how true that is! Instead, turn your heart to Jesus and rise above the nonsense. It's all around us, so don't add to the madness, but be different, be full of love and grace and mercy - just as our Heavenly Father extends to us daily. Be the one that prays for them, loves them and forgives them anyway!

Today's Scripture: "But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you," (Luke‬ ‭6:27‬)

Today is a new beginning, a second chance! The world is waiting for the AWESOME side of you! GO! Enjoy this beautiful day the Lord has given and know that you are wonderfully, fearfully and beautifully made in His image!! Have a wonderfully blessed day!!

Remember, as I've written before, if you take nothing else away from my blog - I pray you will never forget that you are "wonderfully and fearfully made" (Psalm 139:14). Never forget that you are the son or daughter of the almighty King of Kings and that you do not have to "BE" what the world expects you to be, but you do have to be what makes you happy! Do something kind today, be nice to others, and respect those you interact with. Strive to make a difference in others lives, but more importantly make a difference in your own life. Life is messy...thank God for Bounty paper towels, Grace & Mercy!

Thursday, October 13, 2016

As we grow older, and hence wiser, we slowly realize that wearing a $300 or a $30 watch - they both tell the same time. Whether we carry a $300 or a $30 wallet/handbag - the amount of money inside is the same. Whether we drink a bottle of $300 or $10 wine - the hangover is the same. Whether the house we live in is 300 or 3000 sq. ft. - loneliness is the same.

You will realize, your true inner happiness does not come from the material things of this world.

Therefore, I hope you realize, when you have mates, buddies and old friends, brothers and sisters, who you chat with, laugh with, talk with, have sung songs with, talk about north-south-east-west or heaven and earth - That is true happiness!!

SIX UNDENIABLE FACTS OF LIFE:

1. Don't educate your children to be rich. Educate them to be Happy. So when they grow up they will know the value of things not the price.

2: Best awarded words: "Eat your food as your medicines. Otherwise you have to eat medicines as your food."

3: The One who loves you will never leave you because even if there are 100 reasons to give up he or she will find one reason to hold on.

4: There is a big difference between a human being and being human. Only a few really understand it.

5. You are loved when you are born. You will be loved when you die. In between, You have to manage!

6: If you just want to Walk Fast, Walk Alone! But if you want to Walk Far, Walk Together!

Gooooood morning!! Woke this morning with a heart full of thanks, not for any one specific thing per se, but just because I feel so fortunate to be alive and breathing.

I have a roof over my head, clothes on my back, pantry full of food and more than a generous amount of love and support in my life from so many wonderful people. I have a husband that is amazing and a daughter that brings me an indescribable amount of joy! The list could go on and on and on but I think you get the gist.

A grateful & thankful heart is a magnet for miracles to manifest. What are you thankful for? How you start your day has a lasting impact on the rest of your day. It sets you up for success or failure. When you learn there is such great power in your thoughts is when you also realize you hold the power to change your daily outcomes! Start by simply being grateful and thankful!

Today is a new beginning, a second chance! The world is waiting for the AWESOME side of you! GO! Enjoy this beautiful day the Lord has given and know that you are wonderfully, fearfully and beautifully made in His image!! Have a wonderfully blessed day!!

Remember, as I've written before, if you take nothing else away from my blog - I pray you will never forget that you are "wonderfully and fearfully made" (Psalm 139:14). Never forget that you are the son or daughter of the almighty King of Kings and that you do not have to "BE" what the world expects you to be, but you do have to be what makes you happy! Do something kind today, be nice to others, and respect those you interact with. Strive to make a difference in others lives, but more importantly make a difference in your own life. Life is messy...thank God for Bounty paper towels, Grace & Mercy!

Sunday, October 9, 2016

Good morning to some of my favorite peeps!! Today is the Lord's day and I'm so thankful to be alive and breathing!! It's going to be an amazing day!

Today's Tip: There seems to always be a guarantee in life that change will happen. Change is something we tend to fear and become anxious about because we do not always feel in control of every change in our life. The good news is that God has a plan for our life to hope and to prosper. If we trust in God and allow the change to grow us to become more like Jesus Christ in how we respond and act, then we are promised that all things will work together for good for those who love Him and keep His commandments!

We were faced with a HUGE change last night that may seem trivial to many, but to me it was scary and brought many "what if's" to my mind. I had to finally turn it over to God and trust Him. In my 40+ years of life I have learned that change is good when I "Let Go and Let God" have complete control. Change is beautiful and creates more chapters to go in your life's journal. Remember, its about the journey, not just the bumps of the ride. Focus on the positive. Enjoy it! Life is short!

Today's Scripture: "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go."‭‭ (Joshua‬ ‭1:9‬)

Today is a new beginning, a second chance! The world is waiting for the AWESOME side of you! GO! Enjoy this beautiful day the Lord has given and know that you are wonderfully, fearfully and beautifully made in His image!! Have a wonderfully blessed day!!

Remember, as I've written before, if you take nothing else away from my blog - I pray you will never forget that you are "wonderfully and fearfully made" (Psalm 139:14). Never forget that you are the son or daughter of the almighty King of Kings and that you do not have to "BE" what the world expects you to be, but you do have to be what makes you happy! Do something kind today, be nice to others, and respect those you interact with. Strive to make a difference in others lives, but more importantly make a difference in your own life. Life is messy...thank God for Bounty paper towels, Grace & Mercy!

Thursday, October 6, 2016

Good morning my favorite peeps! What a glorious day to rise and shine!

Today's Tip: Remember that everyone you encounter today is fighting a battle of some sorts, has lost something, or someone, and could be going through a trial, even if they don't tell you about it. Make it your mission to be an encourager not discourager. Just be nice! It's that simple.

And, if you're the one going through a battle....never allow yourself to get so caught up in the fight that you lose the war!! Make today count because this day will never come again! I speak blessings over you and pray for complete healing and restoration over you and your trial.

Today's Humor: Where there's a Will there is inheritance tax 😁

Today's Scripture: "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance." (James 1:2-3)

Today is a new beginning, a second chance! The world is waiting for the AWESOME side of you! GO! Enjoy this beautiful day the Lord has given and know that you are wonderfully, fearfully and beautifully made in His image!! Have a wonderfully blessed day!!

Remember, as I've written before, if you take nothing else away from my blog - I pray you will never forget that you are "wonderfully and fearfully made" (Psalm 139:14). Never forget that you are the son or daughter of the almighty King of Kings and that you do not have to "BE" what the world expects you to be, but you do have to be what makes you happy! Do something kind today, be nice to others, and respect those you interact with. Strive to make a difference in others lives, but more importantly make a difference in your own life. Life is messy...thank God for Bounty paper towels, Grace & Mercy!

Gooooooddddd morning! Time to rise and shine and put on your best smile! Today holds AMAZING blessings for you!!

Today's Tip: Stop hating yourself for everything you aren't. Start loving yourself for everything you ARE! That's such a bold and amazing statement that so many (men included) struggle with! We are our own worse enemy when we should our own BIGGEST FAN! God designed each one of us uniquely and with amazing qualities. Some take a little longer to achieve and believe that but it's true. We're not all the same because let's face it....how boring would that be. We all face different struggles and victories and we certainly don't celebrate our failures when we absolutely should. Every experience (good and bad) have shaped us but they do not define us!

Until you learn that you are "wonderfully and fearfully made" (Psalm 139:14) then you will never learn to achieve all of the greatness God has designed for your life!

Get up! Get dressed! And believe in yourself. If you don't, how can you expect others to believe in you!?! There's a difference between confidence and cockiness...you most definitely want the first but you can check the other at the door! Learn to get ahead without cutting off others heads! It's simple and it's not something I can teach you in one little blog; however, I can teach you this... One of the first things any man or woman need to do before you can make a change is.....BELIEVE YOU CAN! Believe in yourself and never, ever forget that you are amazing! You are created in His image with a design for greatness! (Deuteronomy 28:13) Learn to dream big, then dream bigger!

Today is a new beginning, a second chance! The world is waiting for the AWESOME side of you! If God woke you today it's because He's not finished with you yet!

GO! Enjoy this beautiful day the Lord has given and know that you are wonderfully, fearfully and beautifully made in His image!! Have a wonderfully blessed day!!

Today's Scripture: "And the LORD will make you the head and not the tail; you shall be above only, and not be beneath, if you heed the commandments of the LORD your God, which I command you today, and are careful to observe them."‭‭ (Deuteronomy‬ ‭28:13‬)

Remember, as I've written before, if you take nothing else away from my blog - I pray you will never forget that you are "wonderfully and fearfully made" (Psalm 139:14). Never forget that you are the son or daughter of the almighty King of Kings and that you do not have to "BE" what the world expects you to be, but you do have to be what makes you happy! Do something kind today, be nice to others, and respect those you interact with. Strive to make a difference in others lives, but more importantly make a difference in your own life. Life is messy...thank God for Bounty paper towels, Grace & Mercy!

Monday, October 3, 2016

Not sure what you're going through, but I want you to know that God doesn't waste pain. The comfort and grace God gave to you through your pain He wants to use that so you can comfort others. God doesn't just use people's strength, He uses our weaknesses too. Stop praying that you'll "forget" your past, instead use it to bring closure and help those God places in your path. Sometimes we have to just let go and trust that everything will be okay... You may not know how, you may not know when, but He's got you in the palm of His hands and 'this too shall pass.' Whatever you're going through is for a purpose. Never close your mind and heart to the fact that He will use you if you let Him.

"And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." (‭‭Romans‬ ‭8:28‬)

The world is waiting for the awesome side of you! GO! Enjoy this beautiful day the Lord has given and know that you are wonderfully and beautifully made in His image!! Have a wonderfully blessed day!!

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About Me

Hi! Thank you for visiting my profile. I may not be much to some but to Jesus I am somebody special! I am blessed with a loving family and the agility and ability to do what I love, barrel racing and writing. I am still in search of who God wants me to be. I'm far from perfect, but I'll always try to be and do better than the day before. I am a Christian, wife, daughter, sister, aunt and hopefully in Gods time will be a mother. Until then, I'll keep trusting God has a bigger plan and I'll keep seeking his direction! As of March 8, 2012 - God answered my prayers (after 18 years of marriage)& gave me 2 beautiful daughters. One resides in Heaven (Bridgette Dean) and the other (Alexis Elaine) here on earth with her Mommy & Daddy. Thank you Lord for your continued blessings!